LRAB Page 33
Page 33
Gently stroking Minami Kotori's hair, her mother shook her head: "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. It's okay if you don't become idols. Before the school is shut down, cherish your school life!"
"No! We have one last way!" Sonoda Umi, who had been silent all along, put down her chopsticks and looked at Minami Kotori. The latter hesitated for a moment, then her eyes shone with determination, and she nodded vigorously.
"Mom! Please grant the entire Muse team a week off! We need to go and carry out the final idol project!"
Chapter 0091 The Holiday is Approved! (3/5 Please Subscribe)
"impossible!"
Without even asking what the "Final Idol Project" was, Kotori's mother flatly rejected Minami Kotori's words—as the head of an academy and its chairman, how could she allow her students to take a week-long vacation?
Furthermore, as Minami Kotori's mother, she couldn't possibly feel at ease letting her daughter take a week off for some "idol project"!
“But…” Minami Kotori was a little anxious and wanted to argue, but her mother waved her hand to interrupt her: “Don’t say anything, I can’t agree to that, no matter from any point of view.”
The atmosphere at the dinner table suddenly turned icy. Minami Kotori looked at her mother with a complicated expression, then turned her pleading gaze to Honoka and Sonoda Umi.
"Hoo." Taking a deep breath, Honoka stood up with a serious expression: "Chairman, it's understandable that you're worried about us, but if this continues, the academy will be shut down. We, and our parents' generation, all studied and graduated from Otonokizaka Academy. I don't want to see the school shut down because of insufficient students!"
4 "..." The little bird's mother's face stiffened, and her expression darkened. During her tenure, she certainly did not want to see Otonokizaka Academy closed down, but what could Honoka, Minami Kotori, and a few others do?
"Nicole-senpai invited a teacher today. He promised to make Muse a world-renowned idol group and will develop a series of idol plans to achieve this goal." Honoka's expression was serious—Minami Kotori and Umi had never seen her with such an expression before—and she bowed deeply to Kotori's mother: "Please! Chairperson, this is our last chance!"
"Teacher?" The mother bird's lips curled into a cold smile. "Our city has always aimed to cultivate idols, and many new idols debut every year. But precisely because of this, many people in the city have also emerged who use the guise of 'cultivating new talents' to swindle money. Even some rather attractive newcomers have been lured away..."
The little bird's mother didn't say what came next, but everyone present knew—every year, a considerable number of girls are spotted by certain "agents" and pulled into what they call "going into the sex industry"...of course, they will eventually become idols, but the kind of idols can't be openly acknowledged.
"No! Mom, you're mistaken! Teacher Baili isn't that kind of person!" Hearing her mother's insinuation about Baili Xiao, Nan Xiaoniao stood up agitatedly, her originally gentle and melodious voice suddenly rising: "Teacher Baili's studio gathers a large number of novelists and illustrators! Their work, '5 Centimeters Per Second,' achieved tremendous success and widespread acclaim in just two months. In nearby cities, and even in slightly more distant countries, you can hear the names of these teachers! How can you say such things about Teacher Baili?"
The mother bird stared blankly at the little bird. From a young age, the little bird had always been gentle, lovely, and understanding. Sometimes she would be a little silly and cute. She had never raised her voice, let alone spoken like this in front of her!
However... there was something that concerned her even more.
"You just said that Professor Baili's team created '5 Centimeters Per Second'?" She stared at Minami Kotori in disbelief, her pupils gradually contracting. "Professor Baili's name is Baili Xiao?"
"Yes! The circulation of the three volumes of [5 Centimeters Per Second] has now exceeded ten million!" Minami Kotori did not notice that her mother's tone was gradually changing, and she still stared at her mother without backing down, preparing herself for "even if I am severely scolded by my mother later, I will still demand an explanation for Hyakuri-sensei".
In her opinion, the fact that someone as famous as Baili Xiao could take the time to carefully consider how to help ordinary high school girls like them was enough to earn their respect.
Even if it's one's own mother, one shouldn't make such insinuations about Teacher Baili without any basis!
Looking at her daughter, who was completely different from usual, the mother bird frowned and turned her gaze to Honoka and Sonoda Umi—she noticed that neither of them showed any "surprise," which meant...
(Is what the little bird said true?)
"Wait a minute!" The mother bird said, getting up from the dining table and going into her room. A few seconds later, she came out with three books—on the exquisite covers, the name was clearly written: "5 Centimeters Per Second!"
"You mean Mr. Baili Xiao, who established his own studio, guided various teachers in publishing '5 Centimeters Per Second,' and even announced plans to make it into an animated film?" To make sure she hadn't misheard, the little bird mother confirmed again.
"Yes!" the three responded in unison.
"My goodness! I saw on the news this morning that someone said Teacher Baili came to our city. I can't believe it's true!" The little bird mother's shock gradually turned into excitement: "He's really willing to train you to become idols? Where is he now?"
The Nishikino family.
Nishikino Maki sat bored on the sofa watching TV, her phone beside her—she was waiting for a message from Minami Kotori.
"Everyone, go home first. I'll definitely get Mom to approve our vacation! Just wait for my message!" These were the words Minami Kotori said when the Muse members parted ways, and it was because of this that Maki had been anxiously waiting for the message.
(When I told my mom I was going to go to Teacher Baili's studio for a week, she readily agreed. What's going on with Xiaoniao? We haven't heard anything for so long. Could it be...?)
Maki Nishikino had some bad thoughts popping into her head as she fiddled with her long, red hair and pondered something.
Light footsteps came from the kitchen, and a woman dressed in a business suit came out carrying a plate of washed grapes. Judging from her striking resemblance to Maki and her almost identical hairstyle, it was not hard to guess her identity.
"Little Maki, what's bothering you?"
Maki Nishikino looked up at her mother and sighed softly, "I wonder if Kotori has gotten the chairman's approval yet. If the chairman doesn't agree..."
"Don't worry, knowing that guy as I do, she'll definitely agree."
Seeing her mother's confident tone, Nishikino Maki became interested and was about to ask further when her phone vibrated and then the screen lit up.
Mom has approved our vacation! Everyone get ready! Tomorrow we'll be heading to the studio with Teacher Baili for our idol project!
"See, I told you she would agree, didn't I?" Maki's mother leaned over to glance at the message and chuckled—she and Minami Kotori's mother were friends and knew each other very well.
"Why?" Nishikino Maki became increasingly interested, following her mother and asking questions all the way.
"Because... as a gift, I gave her a limited edition '5 Centimeters Per Second' set!"
PS: The picture shows Maki Nishikino and Nico Yazawa.
Chapter 0092 Teacher, please help me! (4/5, please subscribe)
Just as the Muse group received Minami Kotori's message, Baili Xiao led Shiina Mashiro into a music store.
Inside, a dazzling array of musical instruments were displayed, including guzheng, piano, violin, and pipa. There was something for everyone.
"Teacher?" Shiina Mashiro tugged at Baili Xiao's sleeve, somewhat puzzled as to why Baili Xiao had come here. The latter smiled and patted her hair: "I've come to see someone to discuss something."
"Hello, what would you like to buy?" Upon seeing someone enter, the attractive saleswoman greeted them with a smile—her monthly salary depended entirely on "sales volume," so she couldn't help but be enthusiastic.
"I'm not here to buy anything, I'm looking for someone."
Upon hearing Baili Xiao's answer, the saleswoman was taken aback at first, then became even more respectful, bowing slightly to Baili Xiao: "Are you Mr. Baili? Please come this way, Miss is already waiting for you."
The Lezheng Group is the largest musical instrument manufacturer and music conglomerate in Idol City, and Lezheng Ling is the younger sister of Lezheng Longya, the next head of the Lezheng Group, making her a true heiress.
"Isn't he here yet? So slow, so slow!" Yue Zhengling crossed her arms and paced back and forth in the reception room without stopping.
For a lively and active girl like her, sitting quietly on the sofa like a well-bred lady waiting for guests to arrive was completely impossible. She felt that she would definitely die if she had to do that!
"Hmm, it should be almost here, right? Let me check..." Yue Zhengling picked up her phone and glanced at it, surprised to find that less than five minutes had passed since she last checked the time: "Huh? Why does time seem to be passing so slowly today? They say the more you rush, the slower time goes by, and it seems that this is true."
"Ugh! That Baili Xiao is so annoying! She gave me the lyrics but not the melody!" Yue Zhengling sat on the sofa, puffing out her cheeks. Her braids swayed wildly with her movements. She took out a neatly folded A4 sheet of paper from her pocket and softly read the words on it: "On the road, encountering tigers and bears in Gongzhou, a madness five hundred years ago..."
"Knock knock knock!" A clear knocking sound rang out, and a voice came from outside the room: "Miss, the guest you've been waiting for has arrived."
"Come in!" Yue Zhengling's face lit up with an excited smile. Just as she was about to walk toward the door, she suddenly remembered her identity—the young lady of the Yue Zheng Group!
"As a 'young lady,' how can you act so carefree and crazy? You need to be more mindful of your status!" Her brother Yue Zheng Longya's warning echoed in Yue Zheng Ling's mind. She hesitated for a moment, but finally sat up straight on the sofa, picked up the coffee in front of her with a pretentious air, and took a sip.
This was the scene that greeted Baili Xiao when she entered the reception room.
"Teacher Baili, welcome." After the saleswoman left the room, Yue Zhengling tried to make her voice softer and more ladylike: "Can we continue with what we were discussing earlier?"
Baili Xiao pulled Shiina Mashiro down to sit, his gaze sweeping over Yue Zhengling several times before a smile appeared on his lips: "Of course! Actually, this matter could be resolved online, but since I was coming to Idol City anyway, I thought I'd just meet you."
"Hehe, I was actually thinking of meeting Teacher Baili too." Yue Zhengling raised her right hand and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear—a gesture she often saw young ladies from wealthy families make, and although she personally felt it was very awkward, she still imitated it in a very convincing way—in reality, she had already started complaining about Baili Xiao in her heart.
(You sent me the lyrics but not the music. Isn't that obviously trying to keep me in suspense? If I didn't really like these lyrics, I wouldn't bother with you at all!)
Two days ago, Baili Xiao took the initiative to contact Yue Zhengling. After revealing his identity, he handed her a set of lyrics and said, "This is a promotional PV for a future novel. I think no one is more suitable for this song than you, so I hope you can sing it."
Honestly, this was the first time someone had said "you're the only one" to her, which made Yue Zhengling so excited that she couldn't sleep all night. Just for that reason alone, as long as the song wasn't too bad, she would agree to it.
Of course, after reading the lyrics that Baili Xiao sent her, her first reaction was—I must sing this song!
Even without the melody, the lyrics are catchy and easy to read. More importantly, they contain a strong ancient Chinese style, which is very similar to the music style of the Celestial Empire!
As her hometown is the Celestial Empire, Yue Zhengling really wanted to sing a song with the style of her hometown, which is why she waited so anxiously during Baili Xiao's visit.
"The song is called 'Ninety-Nine Eighty-One'. The promotional video is scheduled to be produced at the end of July. I hope you can come to my studio for an audition and sing then, is that alright?"
"Of course, I will always keep my promises!" Yue Zhengling snorted and glared at Baili Xiao with a hint of annoyance.
The latter didn't mind. Instead, he took the A4 paper from her hand, looked at the lyrics written in black and white, and smiled: "Alright, I'll write down the melody now. I look forward to your performance!"
...
Night falls in a luxury hotel in the idol city.
In the double room, Shiina Mashiro sat on the pristine white bed, her eyes fixed on Baili Xiao, who was lying face down on the other bed as soon as she entered, letting out a satisfied groan.
Mashiro looked at her bed, hesitated for a moment whether she should lie on her back or lie face down like Baili Xiao. After a few seconds, she stood up, turned around, and fell straight onto the bed, just like Baili Xiao had done.
"Hmm." The tip of his nose bumped against the bed. Although the mattress was very elastic and the blankets were very soft, they were still "solid" compared to his nose.
Shiina Mashiro couldn't understand why Hyakuri Akira let out a satisfied groan the moment she lay down, even though her nose felt so sore—this was the tragedy of "not understanding any common sense"...
Hearing the noise from Mashiro's side, Hyakuri Akira lifted her face from under the covers: "Hey? Mashiro, what happened to your nose? Why is it suddenly red?"
"I bumped into the bed," Shiina Mashiro answered honestly. Bai Lixiao froze for a moment, then broke out in a cold sweat—luckily, she had booked a room because she was worried about Mashiro, otherwise...
"Mashiro? Are you tired? If you are, take a shower and rest first. I need to rest too." Baili Xiao coughed lightly and shifted his gaze to the corner of the room. He knew that even if he looked at her, Mashiro wouldn't care, but that was only because Mashiro didn't understand matters between men and women. If he were to observe Mashiro recklessly for that reason, even he himself would feel that he was "taking advantage of her" and "shameful and embarrassed."
However, after a few seconds, Baili Xiao felt his sleeve being tugged—a feeling that was extremely familiar—and when he turned his head, he saw Shiina Mashiro looking at him expressionlessly, saying something softly.
"Teacher, help me take off my clothes." (Child)
Chapter 0093 Meeting the Parents Already? (5/5 Please Subscribe)
"Teacher, help me take off my clothes." Shiina Mashiro's emotionless words echoed in Hyakuri Akira's ears, causing him to catch his breath. He stared intently at Mashiro, trying to gather his thoughts in his somewhat chaotic mind: "You want me to help you take off your clothes?"
"Hmm." Shiina Mashiro nodded gently, tilting her head in confusion. "At home, they always help me undress when we go out to sea."
(Of course I know it's about going out to sea to help you get out of bed, but... there's a fundamental difference between me and going out to sea!) Baili Xiao thought to himself, his expression turning serious: "Haven't you learned it after all this time?"
Hearing his words, Shiina Mashiro's eyes flickered slightly—ever since she started learning to draw from Hyakuri Akira, Mashiro had always heard praise like "You learn so fast," and gradually, she also came to like the feeling of Hyakuri Akira patting her head while saying "You learn so fast."
That's why she would quickly finish her work-related drawings every day, then cling to Baili Xiao, constantly asking him, "Can you teach me some more knowledge?"
Just to get more praise.
But... Bai Lixiao actually said something like, "Haven't you learned it yet?"—which, when it reached Shiina Mashiro's ears, stirred up a feeling she had never experienced before.
(Huh? Did I say something too offensive?)
Bai Lixiao was a little confused because Shiina Mashiro had been staring at him for a full half minute. Just as he was thinking about what to say to ease the tension, Shiina Mashiro made a move.
Her fair and delicate hands rested on the buttons, her fingers clumsily twisting back and forth. What would be an incredibly simple task for an ordinary person, something that could be completed in just one second, proved to be extremely difficult for Shiina Mashiro.
A minute later, Bai Lixiao collapsed onto the bed as if all his strength had been used up. Shiina Mashiro looked at him, wondering why something so easy for Hashima Island was so exhausting for Bai Lixiao...
"Teacher, I'm going to take a shower now." After saying this softly, Shiina Mashiro walked towards the bathroom.
...
The next morning, Baili Xiao slept in, which was rare for him.
At home, people walk around and talk early in the morning, especially Eriri, who always walks very loudly for some reason. Moreover, Hyakuri Akira noticed that Eriri also likes to circle around her (Kasumigaoka Utaha's) door.
Over time, Baili Xiao passively changed his bad habit of "sleeping in late" and was able to get up very early every day—of course, once he lost the alarm clock named "Eri Ri," he would revert to his old ways.
After all, the bed is a great enemy of mankind; without great willpower, one cannot escape its seal!
Opening her sleepy eyes, Baili Xiao instinctively reached out with her right hand to pull the blanket over herself.